Results 6,641-6,660 of 46,267 for speaker:Simon Harris

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Control of Dogs (31 Jan 2023)

Simon Harris: I have contacted An Garda Síochána for the information requested by the Deputy, regrettably this information was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Court Judgments (31 Jan 2023)

Simon Harris: As the Deputy will be aware, management of the courts, operational matters and logistical functions are the responsibility of the Judiciary and Courts Service, which are independent in exercising their functions under the Courts Service Act 1998 and given the separation of powers in the Constitution. The Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Schemes (31 Jan 2023)

Simon Harris: I am informed by the Immigration Service of my Department that the person concerned is the subject of a Deportation Order signed on 14 September 2022. This Order requires the person concerned to remove themselves from the State and remain outside the State. The enforcement of Deportation Orders are a matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau. Representations have since been...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Gangland Crime (31 Jan 2023)

Simon Harris: I can assure the Deputy that tackling gangland crime activity is an absolute priority for An Garda Síochána and the Government. I wish to acknowledge the superb and painstaking work of the Gardaí in harnessing an international coalition of support to tackle the criminality associated with a particular Organised Crime Group. The enforcement of sanctions demonstrates the...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Prison Service (31 Jan 2023)

Simon Harris: As background for the Deputy, Prison Rules, 2007 (S.I. No. 252/2007) set out the minimum rules and regulations on all aspects of life in prisons in Ireland, including admission, accommodation, visiting rights, health, discipline, education, and so forth. Much of the daily operation of prisons is guided by the Prison Rules. The Prison Service is responsible for the safe and secure custody...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Staff (31 Jan 2023)

Simon Harris: I can inform the Deputy that no new advisers have taken up employment in the Department of Justice since December 2022.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Data (31 Jan 2023)

Simon Harris: As the Deputy will be aware, theft is an offence under section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001. Anyone convicted of a theft offence is liable to a penalty of a fine or up to 10 years imprisonment. Under section 14 of the Act, a person found guilty of robbery (theft using coercion or force) is potentially liable on conviction on indictment to life...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Official Travel (31 Jan 2023)

Simon Harris: It has not been possible to collate the information requested in the time allowed. I will write to the Deputy directly when the information is to hand.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Data (31 Jan 2023)

Simon Harris: The International Protection office of my Department endeavours to make recommendations on international protection applications as soon as possible. This ensures that those who are found to be in need of protection from the State can receive it quickly and begin rebuilding their lives here with a sense of safety and security.  My Department continues to take all necessary steps to...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: International Protection (31 Jan 2023)

Simon Harris: My Department will continue to take all necessary steps to manage the international protection process efficiently and effectively. My Department is committed to reducing processing times for international protection applicants.     During 2022, the number of people claiming international protection increased significantly, with 13,651 applications made...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: International Protection (31 Jan 2023)

Simon Harris: My Department's overall objective is to have decisions made on applications from people seeking international protection as quickly as possible. This ensures that those who are found to be in need of protection in Ireland can receive it quickly and begin rebuilding their lives here with a sense of safety and security.  During 2022 the number of people claiming international...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Data (31 Jan 2023)

Simon Harris: I understand that the Deputy has clarified that this question relates to the Afghan Admissions Programme rather than Afghan Programme refugees. I am conscious that this is a difficult situation for our Afghan community and their loved ones and would like to take this opportunity to assure them that my Department is processing applications under the Afghan Admissions Programme as quickly...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Visa Applications (31 Jan 2023)

Simon Harris: The person referred to by the Deputy holds a Stamp 1 immigration permission, granted for the purpose of obtaining an employment permit and it is valid until 17 March 2023. If the person concerned wishes to remain in the State beyond that date, a prospective employer must apply for and be granted an employment permit by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE). Should they be...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Reviews (31 Jan 2023)

Simon Harris: My Department and the Office of the Revenue Commissioners have established a Joint Review Group to examine the role of Sheriffs, as currently constituted, in respect of State work. The Review Group is independently chaired by a former Secretary General of this Department, and comprises of representatives from the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, the Courts Service, the Departments of...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Data (31 Jan 2023)

Simon Harris: As the Deputy will be aware, management of the courts, including operational matters and logistical functions, are the responsibility of the judiciary and Courts Service, which are independent in exercising their functions under the Courts Service Act 1998, and given the separation of powers in the Constitution.  As Minister, I have no role in these matters. It is the function of the...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Data (31 Jan 2023)

Simon Harris: Seeking protection is a human right and when someone asks for protection at the border of a country, that country’s authorities must examine that application. Ireland, as a party to the Geneva Convention, must also meet this obligation.  Immigration officials conduct passport checks on arrival to ensure passengers are properly documented in accordance with Section 11 of the...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Data (31 Jan 2023)

Simon Harris: I can advise the Deputy that 20 people died while in custody in 2022 and I would like to express my sympathies to the family and friends of each of those individuals. As the Deputy may be aware, all deaths in custody are notified to An Garda Síochána, who investigate where circumstances warrant, in addition to the inquest held in the Coroner's Court. The cause of death is...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Data (31 Jan 2023)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 568 and 567 together. As the Deputy may be aware, all deaths in custody and deaths that occur within one month of temporary release, are subject to an independent investigation by the Inspector of Prisons. Following this investigation, the Inspector of Prisons Office makes recommendations for improvement where appropriate. These recommendations are...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Reports (31 Jan 2023)

Simon Harris: As the Deputy may be aware, since April 2012 all deaths in custody are subject to an independent investigation by the Inspector of Prisons. Following this investigation, the Office of the Inspector of Prisons makes recommendations for improvement where appropriate. These recommendations are forwarded to the Prison Service for their attention and the final report is submitted to the Minister...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (31 Jan 2023)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 570 to 574, inclusive, together. As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible by law for the management and administration of Garda business, which includes the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff. As Minister I have no direct role in such matters. The Public Appointments Service (PAS) administers the initial stages...